Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Belton, Texas
95.1% Acceptance Rate
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.1%Acceptance Rate
3.53Avg GPA
1098Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$45,235Annual Cost
$56,132Grad Salary
36.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.1%
Avg GPA
3.53
Avg SAT
1098
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
970–1200
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Need-Based Aid
36.9% receive Pell
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a private, Christian institution in Texas that emphasizes the integration of faith, scholarship, and community service. Admissions are holistic, weighing academic merit against the applicant's alignment with the university's mission to foster whole-person development and active, ethical leadership. The university looks for students who demonstrate high intellectual curiosity and a genuine commitment to values-based education and service to others.
For prospective students, the best strategy is to highlight participation in church, youth group, or community service initiatives during high school, as these reflect the university's core emphasis on service-learning. A strong application includes evidence of leadership or sustained extracurricular engagement that demonstrates the student's readiness to participate in a diverse, community-focused campus culture. A compelling personal statement should discuss how the student's personal values align with the mission of the university and how they intend to contribute to its intellectually active and supportive environment.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Acceptance Rate
Admission at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is inclusive by design: 95.1% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.08
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
UMHB reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/02/01 (Freshman scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
UMHB GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at UMHB is 3.53. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.23 and 3.53? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.73–3.93.UMHB GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.53 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.33 – 3.52
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.13 – 3.32
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.12
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- UMHB does not require a personal essay or letter of recommendation for general first-year admission; a 500-word essay can instead be submitted specifically to waive the application fee.
- ACT/SAT/CLT are optional for most applicants, but first-time students aged 25+ who don't rank in the upper half of their high school class must submit ACT or SAT scores.
- Freshman academic scholarships pay their full published amount only for students living on campus; living off-campus reduces the annualized scholarship by $3,000, and need-based aid may also be reduced.
- General admission does not guarantee acceptance into five specific programs - Nursing (Scott & White School of Nursing), Teacher Education, Social Work, Engineering, and Music - each requiring its own separate application.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UMHB
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at UMHB — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into UMHB Without SAT or ACT?
UMHB considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Average SAT Score: 1098
Admitted students at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor average a 1098 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1098 — Accessible
A 1098 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1200 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Mary Hardin-Baylor allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 970? A retake is worth it at UMHB — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 555 | 490 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1098 | 970 | 1200 |
A score under 970 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1200+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in UMHB's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) ACT Requirements
UMHB's admitted students average an ACT of 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 23 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of UMHB's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, UMHB weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UMHB
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Getting into UMHB is the easy part — what matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.
Use the essay as a fee-waiver tool, not a required hurdle
UMHB does not require a personal essay for general first-year admission, but a 500-word essay on "Why Going to College Is Important To Me" can be submitted specifically in place of the application fee. If you're trying to avoid the fee, use this route deliberately rather than assuming an essay is mandatory for admission itself.
Check the one narrow group required to submit test scores
ACT, SAT, and CLT are optional for admission generally, but UMHB has one specific carve-out: first-time college students aged 25 or older who do not rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class are required to submit ACT or SAT scores. An older first-time applicant without a strong recorded class rank should confirm this requirement applies to them before assuming the general test-optional policy covers every applicant type.
Run the full net-cost math before choosing to live off-campus
UMHB's freshman academic scholarships pay their full published amount only for students living on campus - living off-campus reduces the annualized academic scholarship by $3,000 ($1,500/semester), and need-based aid may be reduced as well. Compare total net cost including this scholarship reduction before assuming off-campus housing saves money overall.
Start the separate application early for five specific programs
General admission to UMHB does not guarantee acceptance into five specific programs: the Scott & White School of Nursing, Teacher Education, Social Work, Engineering, and Music. If you're set on one of these, identify and begin that program's separate application process early rather than assuming university acceptance secures your spot.
Expert Insight:
Several third-party aggregator sites describe UMHB as requiring a personal essay, with acceptance rate figures that conflict across sources (ranging from the high-80s to high-90s percent). UMHB's own current admissions listing states no personal essay or letter of recommendation is required for first-year admission. Rely on UMHB's own admissions pages for exact current requirements rather than aggregator sites, since these specific points are inconsistently reported.
UMHB Profile
Full Name
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB)
City
Belton
State
Texas
ZIP Code
76513-2599
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a UMHB Degree Worth It?
Whether UMHB is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $62,600, and graduates see a 3.1% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from UMHB Cost?
Listed tuition runs $45,235/year at UMHB; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land typically much lower.
At UMHB, 36.9% receive a Pell Grant and 62.8% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming UMHB on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a UMHB Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, UMHB graduates report a median income of $56,132, about 38% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at UMHB
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About UMHB Admissions
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor graduates earn a moderate median salary of $56,132/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is moderate, around $45,235/year; many students supplement with aid.
36.9% of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income — filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's acceptance rate is 95.1%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students is 3.53, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.23 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.13 or below makes admission tougher at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1098, and within the 970–1200 range, keeps you competitive.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2026/02/01 (Freshman scholarship priority) — that's University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.